Energy dampeners for electronic devices

ABSTRACT

An electronic device can include a first electronic component, a second electronic component, and an energy dampener positioned between and in contact with the first electronic component and the second electronic component. The energy dampener in this example includes a carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix including carbon nanotubes embedded in an aerogel with a rubber composited therewith.

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/046,017 filed on Oct. 8, 2020, which was a 35 U.S.C 371 U.S. NationalStage Application of PCT/US2018/049324 filed on Sep. 4, 2018, each whichis incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

There are many components in electronic devices that contact one anotherand in some instances, those components in operation can createdunwanted vibrations or resonances. For example, many electronics devicesincluded buttons or data input assemblies with components that come intocontact, or include hard drives or other components with moving partsthat can create vibrations when mounted to frames, brackets, or othercomponents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 graphically and schematically illustrates an example energydampener with a carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix that is composited with arubber in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example electronic device withmultiple components including an energy dampener positioned between themultiple components in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an alternative example electronicdevice with multiple electronic components including an energy dampenerpositioned between the multiple electronic components in accordance withthe present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of dampingenergy within an electronic device in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An example energy dampener for an electronic device can include a carbonnanotube-aerogel matrix, including carbon nanotubes embedded in anaerogel as well as a rubber composited with the carbon nanotube-aerogelmatrix. In one example, the carbon nanotubes can have a surface area ofabout 400 m²/g to about 2,500 m²/g. In other examples, the carbonnanotubes can include single-walled carbon nanotubes and/or multi-walledcarbon nanotubes including an inner nanotube concentrically positionedwithin an outer nanotube. The aerogel can be a graphene aerogel, asilica aerogel, a plastic aerogel, or a combination thereof. In oneexample, the aerogel can have a surface area of about 1,500 m²/g toabout 3,500 m²/g. The rubber can include silicone rubber, ethylenepropylene diene monomer (EPDM rubber), epichlorohydrin rubber,polyacrylic rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomer,perfluoroelastomer, polyether block amide, chlorosulfonatedpolyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polysulfide rubber, thermoplasticelastomer, or a combination thereof. In one example, the carbonnanotube-aerogel matrix can also include graphene embedded in theaerogel.

In another example, an electronic device can include a first electroniccomponent, a second electronic component, and an energy dampenerpositioned between and in contact with the first electronic componentand the second electronic component. The energy dampener can include acarbon nanotube-aerogel matrix including carbon nanotubes embedded in anaerogel, and the carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix can be composited with arubber. In one example, a third electronic component can also be presentwith the energy dampener also positioned between the first electroniccomponent and the third electronic component. In another example, theenergy dampener can still further be between the second electroniccomponent and the third electronic component (in addition to between thefirst and second electronic components). In another example, the firstelectronic component can include one of a computer keyboard link bar ora keystroke plate, the second electronic component can include the otherof the computer keyboard link bar or keystroke plate. In still anotherexample, the first electronic component can include one of a fastener ora hard drive, and the second electronic component can include the otherof the fastener and the hard drive, e.g., with a bracket or otherco-fastener associated with the hard drive to fasten the hard drive to asupport frame or other structure using the fastener.

In another example, a method of damping energy within an electronicdevice can include applying an energy dampener to a first interface of afirst electronic component, wherein the energy dampener includes acarbon nanotube-aerogel matrix including carbon nanotubes embedded in anaerogel with a rubber composited therewith. The method can furtherinclude positioning a second interface of second electronic componentagainst the energy dampener. The energy dampener can thus be in contactand between the first electronic component and the second electroniccomponent to dampen energy transfer from the first electronic componentto the second electronic component or from the second energy componentto the first energy component. In one example, the method can includepreliminarily compounding the carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix with therubber by admixing the rubber with the carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix inthe presence of a lubricant to form an extrudable composite. Thus,applying in this instance can include extruding the extrudable compositeonto the first interface under heat. In further detail, the method caninclude shaping the energy dampener after applying to the firstinterface or after positioning the second interface by removing aportion of the energy dampener.

It is noted that when discussing the energy dampener, electronic device,or method of damping energy within an electronic device herein, thesediscussions can be considered applicable to one another whether or notthey are explicitly discussed in the context of that example. Thus, forexample, when discussing an energy dampener, such disclosure is alsorelevant to and directly supported in the context of an electronicdevice, methods of damping energy, vice versa, etc. It is alsounderstood that terms used herein will take on their ordinary meaning inthe relevant technical field unless specified otherwise. In someinstances, there are terms defined more specifically throughout orincluded at the end of the present disclosure, and thus, these terms aresupplemented as having a meaning as described herein.

Carbon Nanotube-Aerogel Matrix

Carbon nanotube-aerogel matrices include multiple materials, namely theaerogel and the carbon nanotubes, which are embedded or dispersed in theaerogel. Graphene or other similar structures can also be present withinthe aerogel, for example. The carbon nanotubes can typically be tubularshaped carbon structures that can be produced to have diameters in thenanometer range, with lengths in the micron range. Carbon nanotubes canhave high electrical conductivity, tensile strength, flexibility,elasticity, and thermal conductivity among other properties which makethem versatile and effective nanostructures for many purposes. They canbe produced using multiple methods, such as but not limited to, applyingan electrical current across two carbonaceous electrodes in an inert gasatmosphere, plasma arcing in the presence of cobalt, using laservaporization of graphite rods with a catalyst mixture, chemical vapordeposition, ball miffing, and other methods. In examples related to theenergy dampeners, electronic devices, or methods disclosed herein, thecarbon nanotubes can have a surface area of about 400 m²/g to about2,500 m²/g. In other examples, the carbon nanotubes can have a surfacearea of about 800 m²/g to about 2,000 m²/g. In further examples, thecarbon nanotubes can have a surface area of about 1,000 m²/g to about1,800 m²/g.

In an example, the carbon nanotubes include single-walled carbonnanotubes. Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are consideredone-dimensional materials and include sheets of graphene that are rolledto form hollow tubes with walls one atom thick. In another example, thecarbon nanotubes include multi-walled, e.g., double-walled ortriple-walled, carbon nanotubes including an inner nanotubeconcentrically positioned within an outer nanotube. For example,double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) are also consideredone-dimensional material, but include two (single-walled) nanotubes, onenested inside the other, typically concentrically. Triple-walled (andbeyond) carbon nanotubes include multiple (single-walled) nanotubesnested inside one another with an outermost nanotube, and innermostnanotube, and one or more nanotubes positioned therebetween. Sometimesthe term “multi-walled” refers to three or more carbon nanotubes thatare nested together, but as defined herein, the term “multi-walledcarbon nanotubes” includes double-walled, triple-walled, etc., carbonnanotubes. Carbon nanotubes that are single-walled may be obtained fromSigma-Aldrich under product codes 704121, 805033, 773735, 704113, andothers (CAS #308068-56-6); or from Ossila (United Kingdom) with codesM2015L1 (30 μm—90%—OH Functionalisation), M2014L1 (30 μm—90% —COOHFunctionalisation), M2013L2 (30 μm—95%), or M2013L1 (20 μm—95%).Double-walled carbon nanotubes may be obtained from Sigma-Aldrich underproduct codes 637351, 755168, or 755141; or from Ossila under productcodes M2017L1 or M2016L1 (Doubled Walled Carbon Nanotube), M2017L1 (COOHFunctionalised), or M2018L1 (OH Functionalised), for example. Othermulti-walled nanotubes, including triple-walled and beyond, can beobtained from Ossila under product codes M2008D1 (which can be furtheridentified as Multi-Walled—95%; Multi-Walled—99%; Multi-Walled COOH; orMulti-Walled OH). Other providers of carbon nanotubes can also be used.The carbon nanotubes can be carboxylated or hydroxylated. In onespecific example, the carbon nanotubes can be functionalized withhydroxyl groups.

In these examples, the carbon nanotubes can have an average length ofabout 0.2 μm to about 50 μm, from about 0.2 μm to about 30 μm, fromabout 0.2 μm to about 20 μm, from about 0.2 μm to about 10 μm, fromabout 0.2 μm to about 5 μm, from about 0.4 μm to about 3 μm, or fromabout 0.5 μm to about 2 μm. The carbon nanotubes can be obtained atvarious lengths and can be cut or otherwise shorted down to size, or canbe obtained at lengths for inclusion. The width (or diameter in manyinstances) can vary, with a width to length aspect ratio of about 1:20to about 1:10,000, 1:20 to about 1:5,000, from about 1:100 to about1:5,000, or from about 1:100 to about 1:2,500, for example.

Aerogels tend to be ultralight, compressible, and highly porousmaterials. Aerogels can be produced by initially preparing a gel andthen drying the gel in a manner which retains the aerogel porousstructure. In some examples, aerogels can be purified by removingimpurities prior to drying so that the impurities do not interfere withthe drying process or retaining of the aerogel structure. For example,purification can be carried out by soaking a gel or colloidal particlesused to form the gel in a pure solvent to allow impurities to diffuseout of the gel and pure solvent to diffuse in. The drying can include,for example, critical point- or supercritical drying, e.g., drying thegel at the temperature and pressure in which the liquid and/or vaporphases of the gel merge into a single phase exhibiting gaseous behaviorswhile maintaining the density and thermal conductivity of a fluid.Silica aerogel, the most common type of aerogel, can be produced byextracting liquid from a framework of silica gel in a way that preservesthe majority of the gel framework's original volume. Graphene aerogel,which is one of the least dense solids, can be produced by assemblinggraphene oxide into a monolithic graphene hydrogel and subjecting it tothe aerogel production process. In examples related to the energydampeners, electronic devices, or methods disclosed herein, the aerogelcan include a graphene aerogel, a silica aerogel, plastic aerogel, orsome other aerogel. The surface area of the aerogel can be from about1,500 m²/g to about 3,500 m²/g. In another example, the surface area canbe from about 1,500 m²/g to about 3,500 m²/g.

Graphene compounds can provide a structural basis for the carbonnanotubes, for example. Thus, graphene is a sheet-like structure that isone layer in thickness an atomic scale and provides the basis forforming other types of carbon allotropes, such as graphite, charcoal,carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, etc. Graphene can also be the basis forforming graphene aerogels. Graphene can also be stacked to formmulti-layered structures. It is noted that graphene may also be embeddedin (carried by), but not a part of the aerogel structure per se,regardless of the type of aerogel structure used, e.g., grapheneaerogel, silica aerogel, plastic aerogel, etc. Thus, graphene can beused in multiple contexts, namely to describe a material in and ofitself as an atomic layer or multi-layered structure with a carbonlattice configuration, or in the context of an aerogel that is based oncarbon, e.g., graphene aerogel, or as the material used to form a carbonnanotube. Graphene, whether used as part of an aerogel, used to form acarbon nanotube, or embedded within an aerogel can be obtained fromOssila (United Kingdom) under product codes M901 (Monolayer—2 μm); M902(Monolayer—5 μm, Multilayer—6 μm, Multilayer—80 μm, or asNanoplatelets). Graphemes can also be obtained as chemically orthermally reduced compounds, e.g., M921 or M951, from Osilla, amongother types.

Carbon nanotube-aerogel matrices, which included carbon nanotubesembedded or dispersed in an aerogel (and in some instances also includegraphene embedded therein as well) can have large surface areas(relative to the total volume of material) due to high porosity as wellas good thermal insulating characteristics. They can be produced throughmultiple processes, including dispersing carbon nanotubes (and in somecases also dispersing graphene) in a gel with a solvent and/or otherreactants/catalysts and subjecting a resulting gel to supercriticalpoint drying (similar to that described previously with respect toformation of the aerogel). The gel used to disperse the carbon nanotubescan be prepared using a sol-gel preparation of colloidal particles whichare aged (over time) with reactants/solvents, sometimes with a catalyst,to generate a continuous network of colloidal particles, or thegel-precursor of the aerogel. Thus, after admixing the gel-precursorwith the carbon nanotubes, a drying process can be carried out, such assupercritical drying, where the temperature and pressure is raised abovecritical point to form a supercritical fluid followed by slow reductionof temperature and pressure, to preserve the aerogel network that isformed by the drying process (which includes the carbon nanotubesdispersed or embedded therein). In some examples, to form a carbon-basedaerogel, a carbonization step can occur under heat for several hours,e.g., about 600° C. to about 2500° C. for about 2 to about 12 hours. Thegel precursor, on the other hand, can be prepared initially as acarbon-based aerogel by using graphene oxide to form the gel-precursor.In this example, the graphene aerogel prepared therefrom can be used asa template for the growth of carbon nanotubes. Thus, the carbonnanotubes and the aerogel can be prepared separately and combinedtogether prior to drying to form the aerogel, or can be preparedstepwise as part of a chemical process where both materials are formedin situ. In either case, the carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix includescarbon nanotubes that are embedded or dispersed in an aerogel network asa carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix.

Rubber

Rubber can be composited with a carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix as aunitary film layer with the rubber admixed with the carbonnanotube-aerogel matrix. In another example, the carbon nanotube-aerogelmatrix may be layered with the rubber, e.g. coextruded together to formtwo unique layers that are composited together as a unified compositedstructure. The rubber can be, for example, a natural or a syntheticrubber. Natural rubbers can be produced by extracting latex from plantsand subjecting the latex to further refining processes such as but notlimited to mastication, chemical refining, extrusion, and vulcanization.Synthetic rubbers can be produced using petrochemicals and processesthat vary depending on the desired product and the particular use of thesynthetic rubber. In electronics, rubbers of various types can be used,including those with electrical properties appropriate for a specificapplication. These types of properties may not typically impact theeffectiveness of the energy dampener, but in some instances, if theenergy dampener is to be positioned in close proximity to a conductivecomponent, more insulated rubber materials may be selected for use.

Example rubbers that can be used include silicone rubber, EPDM rubber,epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, fluorosilicone rubber,fluoroelastomer, perfluoroelastomer, polyether block amide,chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polysulfiderubber, thermosplastic elastomer, or a combination thereof. The rubbercan have a weight average molecular weight of from about 20,000 Mw toabout 1,500,000 Mw, from about 30,000 Mw to about 1,400000 Mw, or fromabout 50,000 Mw to about 1,300,000 Mw, or from about 100,000 Mw to about1,000,000 Mw, for example.

Composites

In examples of the energy dampeners, electronic devices, or methodsdisclosed herein, the carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix can be compositedwith rubber in the form of an extruded film or films. The film or filmscan be shaped/position between multiple electronic component structuresto dampen unwanted energy that may be generated. For example, the rubbercan be composited with the carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix using a hotmelt extrusion process, where a ribbon of liquefied or flowable carbonnanotube-aerogel matrix and rubber are extruded together to form asingle or unitary film, which can be shaped to address a surface of twoadjacent electronic components within an electronics device.Alternatively, the carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix and the rubber can becoextruded as two separate layers, which can integrate the layerstogether. Either way, example extrusion temperatures for forming theextrusion film(s) can be from about 120° C. to about 300° C., or fromabout 135° C. to about 275° C., for example, depending on the carbonnanotube-aerogel matrix and rubber selected, e.g., softening or meltflow temperatures, etc. Extrusions can be carried out, in some examples,with compounds added to provide appropriate lubrication, such as stearicacid, zinc stearate, etc. The addition of such lubricants can beparticularly useful when compositing the carbon nanotube-aerogel matrixwith the rubber for extrusion as a common film or structure.Concentrations of the lubricant can be appropriate to generate aflowable extrudable film, for example, but in one instance, theconcentration can be from about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %, from about0.25 wt % to about 3 wt %, or from about 0.5 wt % to about 2 wt %. Thethickness of the extruded film(s) can be from about 0.025 mm to about 5mm, from about 0.05 mm to about 3 mm, or from about 0.1 mm to about 2 mmto, for example. Additionally, the density of the extruded film can befrom about 0.008 g/cm³ to about 0.8 g/cm³, about 0.01 g/cm³ to about 0.7g/cm³ about, or about 0.01 g/cm³ to about 0.5 g/cm³, for example.

In one example, a composite of the carbon-nanotube-aerogel with rubbercan include from about 80 wt % to about 99.5 wt % rubber, and from about0.5 wt % to about 20 wt % carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix. In anotherexample, the composite can include from about 90 wt % to about 99 wt %rubber, and from about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % carbon nanotube-aerogelmatrix. In another example, the composite can include from about 95 wt %to about 99 wt % rubber, and from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt % carbonnanotube-aerogel matrix.

To provide a few specific example, the aerogel can be a silica aerogel,carbon nanotubes can be dispersed in the silica aerogel, and the rubbercan be a silicone rubber. The carbon nanotubes can be single-walled ormulti-walled in this example or any of the other examples herein. Inanother example, the aerogel can be a silica aerogel, carbon nanotubescan be dispersed in the silica aerogel, graphene can be dispersed in thesilica aerogel, and the rubber can be a silicone rubber. In anotherexample, the aerogel can be a graphene aerogel, carbon nanotubes can bedispersed in the graphene aerogel, and the rubber can be a siliconerubber. In another example, the aerogel can be a graphene aerogel,carbon nanotubes can be dispersed in the graphene aerogel. (free)graphene can be dispersed in the graphene aerogel, and the rubber can bea silicone rubber. In another example, the aerogel can be a silicaaerogel, carbon nanotubes can be dispersed in the silica aerogel, andthe rubber can be an EPDM rubber. In another example, the aerogel can bea silica aerogel, carbon nanotubes can be dispersed in the silicaaerogel, graphene can be dispersed in the silica aerogel, and the rubbercan be a fluorosilicone rubber. In another example, the aerogel can be asilica aerogel, carbon nanotubes can be dispersed in the silica aerogel,and the rubber can be an epichlorohydrin rubber. In another example, theaerogel can be a silica aerogel, carbon nanotubes can be dispersed inthe silica aerogel, graphene can be dispersed in the silica aerogel, andthe rubber can be a thermoplastic elastomer rubber. These and othercombinations described herein are within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Energy Dampeners and Electronic Devices

As shown in FIG. 1 , a schematic view of an energy dampener 110 for anelectronic device can include a carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix 120including carbon nanotubes 130 embedded in an aerogel 140. The energydampener also includes a rubber 150 composited with the carbonnanotube-aerogel matrix. In this example, there can also be graphene 135embedded in the aerogel so that the carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix notonly includes embedded carbon nanotubes, but also embedded graphene.Some examples may include embedded graphene and others may not. Notably,there are two different types of carbon nanotubes and graphene shown inFIG. 1 that can be used to be embedded in the aerogel, namelysingle-walled nanotubes, double-walled nanotubes, as well as the freegraphene. If the aerogel is a graphene aerogel, the graphene may beincluded as part of the aerogel, and may also be included as beingembedded in the graphene aerogel. If the aerogel is other than agraphene aerogel, e.g., silica aerogel, then the graphene may beembedded in the aerogel. The aerogel can be, for example, silicaaerogel, graphene aerogel, plastic aerogel, or other similar aerogel.The carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix and the rubber materials can be aspreviously described. As a note, this FIG, is not to scale, but ratheris shown schematically. For example, graphene can be used to form carbonnanotubes, and thus the graphene structure shown may be larger comparedto the size of the carbon nanotubes shown. Likewise, the aspect ratios,and relative weight or volume percentages are not to scale.

FIGS. 2 and 3 depict example electronic devices (or portions thereof),with components assembled together. As an initial note, the possibleelectronic components that can be assembled together using the energydampeners of the present disclosure can include, but are not limited to:structural components, such as a brackets, electronic device frames,fasteners, screws, etc.; operational components, such as hard drives,graphics cards, memory, chips, batteries, speakers, fans, etc.; andaesthetic components, such as LED lights, carbon fiber wraps, decals,etc. Some components can be two or more of structural, operational, oraesthetic. For example, a hard shell casing for a computer may be bothstructural and aesthetic. Thus, with respect to structure of twocomponents with an energy dampener therebetween, the materials andconfiguration of the electronic components can vary, but can still beseparated with appropriately configured energy dampeners prepared inaccordance with the present disclosure. For example, the energy dampenercan be positioned between and in contact with a first electroniccomponent and a second electronic component. As mentioned, the energydampener can include a carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix including carbonnanotubes embedded in an aerogel, and the carbon nanotube-aerogel matrixcan be composited with a rubber. To provide two specific, non-limitingexamples, the first electronic component can include a computer keyboardlink bar and the second electronic component can include a keystrokeplate. In another example, the first electronic component can include afastener, e.g., screw, pin, clip, etc., to connect a frame or support tothe second electronic component, which may be an electromechanicaldevice, such as a hard drive. The hard drive may include a bracket orother similar structure to secure the hard drive to the frame or supportusing the fastener. The energy dampener can be positioned between thefastener and the hard drive (or hard drive bracket) to amelioratevibration or other resonance that may occur.

More specifically, with respect to an example energy dampener for akeyboard, FIG. 2 depicts an electronic device 200 (or portion thereof)with a first electronic component 260 with a first interface 262, asecond electronic component 270 with a second interface 272, and anenergy dampener 210 positioned between and in contact with the firstelectronic component and the second electronic component. In thisexample, the first electronic component is a keyboard link bar (also260), which can include the first interface to which the energy dampenercan be applied. As a note, though not shown, there may be two link barsper key in some examples; one being shown in FIG. 2 pivoted upright (toprovide visibility), but could also be pivoted up to about 45°, up toabout 60°, up to about 75°, or up to about 90°, where it would engagewith an underside of a key cap 280. There are also examples where thereis only one link bar as well. Other structural arrangements may be usedfor the link bar, but this particular link bar is shown by way ofexample. The second electronic component in this example can be akeystroke plate (also 270). The plate includes multiple portions, inthis example, including the second interface, a standoff portion 274, anengagement portion 276, and a support portion 278. The keystroke platecan provide mechanical communication between the link bar and theelectrically operational portions of the key/keyboard, e.g., movement ofcapacitive or contact components, etc. Those operational features (notshown) may be present generally within the space shown at “B,” whichrepresents a location where operational components related to mechanicalmovement and electrical communication for the keyboard may be present.The spaces shown at “A” represent a remainder of a length of the key capand the tie bar, which can be any length appropriate to the size of thekey cap, e.g., a space bar and corresponding tie bar may typically belonger than an enter key and corresponding tie bar.

The energy dampeners 210 can be as described with respect to FIG. 1 andelsewhere herein, with a carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix composited witha rubber. Notably, on the right side, the tie bar 260 is shownpenetrating the energy dampener and the keystroke plate 270, whereas onthe left side, the tie bar is embedded in the energy dampener and thekeystroke plate. This is to show that either configuration can be usedwith effective energy dampening. Thus, the energy dampener positionedbetween these two structures in any of a number of configurations can beused to ameliorate or prevent noise, vibrations, resonances, etc.,caused by operation of the keyboard initially, as well as over a longerperiod of time than in instances where there is no energy dampener inplace. As a note, the first electronic component in this example wasassigned (arbitrarily) to the tie bar and the second electroniccomponent was assigned to the keystroke plate. This could be reversed sothat the energy dampener is applied to the “first interface” which wouldthus be on the keystroke plate, and the second interface could be on thetie bar. Thus, “first” and “second” are arbitrarily assigned and couldapply to either structure.

In another example, FIG. 3 depicts an electronic device 300 (or cutawayportion thereof) with a first electronic component 360, a secondelectronic component 370, and an energy dampener 310 positioned betweenand in contact with the first electronic component and the secondelectronic component. Specifically, the first electronic component canbe a fastener (also 360) with a first interface 362, which in this caseis a threaded screw (shown in cross-section), and the second electroniccomponent can be a hard drive (also 370) with a second interface 372, ora bracket or housing of the hard drive thereof. In this particularexample, the energy dampener is also positioned between the secondelectronic component and a third electronic component 380 with a thirdinterface 382, which may be a bracket, housing, or other structure towhich the hard drive may be attached using the fastener. Thus, theenergy dampener is still considered to be positioned between the firstand second electronic component, but it is also notably positionedbetween the first and third electronic component. During operation ofthe hard drive, there can be vibration and/or resonances that can leadto vibration noises, etc. Thus, an energy dampener can be included, asdescribed with respect to FIG. 1 and elsewhere herein, with a carbonnanotube-aerogel matrix composited with a rubber. In this configuration,the energy dampener positioned between these two structures (or threestructures in this instance) can either ameliorate or prevent noise,vibrations, resonances, etc., caused by operation of the hard driveinitially, as well as over a longer period of time than in instanceswhere there is no energy dampener in place.

Methods of Damping Energy within an Electronic Devices

In another example, as shown in FIG. 4 , a method 400 of damping energywithin an electronic device can include applying 410 an energy dampenerto a first interface of a first electronic component. The energydampener can include a carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix with carbonnanotubes embedded in an aerogel, with a rubber composited with thecarbon nanotube-aerogel matrix. The method can further includepositioning 420 a second interface of second electronic componentagainst the energy dampener. A portion or all of the energy dampener canthus be in contact and between the first electronic component and thesecond electronic component to dampen energy transfer from the firstelectronic component to the second electronic component or from thesecond energy component to the first energy component. Applying theenergy dampener can be carried out by forming the energy dampener on anintermediate substrate to be then removed therefrom (or not removed),and placed between the first and second interfaces (thus being appliedto the first interface with positioning of the second interface againstthe energy dampener). Applying the energy dampener can alternativelyinclude forming the energy dampener directly on the first interface ofthe first electronic component, and then positioning the secondinterface against the energy dampener.

The second interface may be part of a fastening system that fastensagainst or with the first electronic component at the first interface,or the second interface may itself include an energy dampener or someother soft structure that has been applied to the second interface.Thus, in one example, there may be two energy dampeners abuttedtogether, one applied to the first interface of the first electroniccomponent, and one applied to the second electronic component where theenergy dampener provides the second interface. In one example, themethod can include preliminarily compounding the carbon nanotube-aerogelmatrix with the rubber by admixing the rubber with the carbonnanotube-aerogel matrix in the presence of a lubricant to form anextrudable composite. Thus, applying the energy dampener in one specificexample can include extruding the extrudable composite onto the firstinterface under heat (or extruding onto an intermediate structure to betransferred to the first interface). In further detail, the method canalso include shaping the energy dampener after applying to the firstinterface or after positioning the second interface by removing aportion of the energy dampener, e.g., cutting, melting, tearing, etc.,excess away. The energy dampener can include a carbon nanotube-aerogelmatrix including carbon nanotubes embedded in an aerogel, as mentioned.However, there may also be graphene or other similar structures alsoembedded in the aerogel. The electronic components can be as previouslydescribed, and include any of a number of structural, operational,and/or aesthetic components, for example. In some more specificexamples, the energy dampener may be configured such as that shown inFIG. 1 , or in other configurations, including in layers, e.g., a layerof rubber and a layer of carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix, or withmultiple rubber layers, multiple carbon nanotube-aerogel layers, orboth. In another aspect, the energy dampener can be shaped andpositioned between structures such as those shown in FIG. 2 or 3 .

Definitions

It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims,the singular forms “a” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unlessthe content clearly dictates otherwise.

The term “about” as used herein, when referring to a numerical value orrange, allows for a degree of variability in the value or range, forexample, within 5% or other reasonable added range breadth of a statedvalue or of a stated limit of a range. The term “about” when modifying anumerical range is also understood to include the exact numerical valueindicated, e.g., the range of about 400 m²/g to about 2,500 m²/gincludes 400 m²/g to 2,500 m²/g, as an explicitly supported sub-range.

As used herein, the term “aerogel” when referring to use within a carbonnanotube-aerogel matrix, energy dampener, electronic device, method fordamping energy, etc. refers to open-celled, solid compositions thatinclude a network of interconnected nanostructures, and can be producedin some instances by removing liquid from a gel material in a mannerwhich retains or generates a structural network, They are dry materialsthat initially derived theft name from being formed removingliquid/water from the gels, but the method of preparation is notintended to be limiting. These materials can be porous, having aporosity volume (open cell volume) of 50% or more, e.g., carbon orgraphene aerogels, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, 90% or more,95% or more, or even 99% or more in some instances. By way of example,and not limitation, an aerogel may include silica aerogel, grapheneaerogel, plastic aerogel, etc.

The term “graphene” refers to one of the allotropes of carbon andincludes a two-dimensional structure on an atomic scale, which isassociated with a honey-comb-configured lattice. The two dimensionalstructure of graphene provides a basis for forming other types of carbonallotropes, such as graphite, charcoal, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes,etc. A sample structure is shown by example in FIG. 1 at referencenumeral 140. Graphene can be the basis for forming carbon nanotubes andgraphene aerogels, but can also be carried by aerogels of various types,including graphene aerogels (as graphene carried by the grapheneaerogel), silica aerogels, plastic aerogels, etc., in accordance withexamples of the present disclosure.

The term “graphene aerogel,” includes carbon-based aerogels includingaerographene. Carbon-based aerogels can be formed of carbon particles inthe nanometer range that are covalently bonded together. Aerographenecan include carbon nanotube supports as well as graphene, e.g., aroundthe nanotube supports. Though not the case in all instances, the solidportion of the aerogel can be less dense than air, with air present inits many open cells.

“Silica aerogel” is a type of aerogel that includes unreacted silanol(Si—OH) groups on the surface of their skeletons, thus providinghydrophilicity to this type of aerogel. Silica aerogels can be derivedfrom silica gel or by other processes, e.g., modified Stober process,and can in some instances be less dense than air. Silica of the aerogelcan be solidified in a three-dimensional structure of intertwinedclusters that make up a small percentage of the volume, e.g., about 2 wt% to about 5 wt % or about 3 wt % in some examples. Most of the volumeis air that is trapped in small nanopores with little room for movement.

“Plastic aerogel” includes polymer-reinforced aerogels as well aspolymer-based aerogels, such as polyimide and other polymeric aerogels.

As used herein, the terms “nanotube,” “carbon nanotubes,” or the like,refers to tubular forms of carbon that can be produced on a nanoscopiclevel to have diameters in the nanometer range, e.g., from about 1 nm toabout 30 nm, and lengths in the hundreds of nanometers to micron range,e.g., from about 0.2 μm to about 5 μm. It does not infer that the carbonnanotubes must be single-walled or multi-walled, although they can beeither. Carbon nanotubes can likewise have various configurations, suchas a chiral, zigzag, or armchair (two of which are shown in FIG. 1 ).

As used herein, the term “carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix” (or matrices)refers to a dispersion where carbon nanotubes are embedded in anaerogel. Other components may also be embedded in the aerogel, such asgraphene that is not part of the aerogel but also embedded therein forexample, but on a fundamental level, a carbon-nanotube-aerogel matrixincludes at least an aerogel with carbon nanotubes embedded therein.Since an aerogel is a solid, the term “embedded” is used rather than“dispersed,” but on a conceptual level, the carbon nanotubes can bethought of as being distributed within an aerogel volume, including bothsolid volume portions and open pore volume portions, for example. Toform such a structure, the carbon nanotubes may be dispersed within asol-gel colloidal dispersion prior to forming a gel and then drying toform the aerogel (with embedded carbon nanotubes), or may be dispersedwithin a gel after formation, but prior to drying, and then drying toform the carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix, for example. Thus, carbonnanotubes can be prepared and then dispersed in a dispersion or gel, andthen become embedded as the gel is dried to for the aerogel. On theother hand, the carbon nanotubes can be formed in situ within or as partof aerogel, e.g., graphene aerogels may include carbon nanotubes andfree graphene in an aerogel structure. Thus, these or any othertechnique for dispersing or embedding carbon nanotubes in an aerogel canbe implemented in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

Rubber is defined to include natural and/or synthetic rubber materials.“Natural rubber” refers to the elastic substance produced by coagulatingand processing the fluid latex produced by various plants, such aspolymers with the organic compound isoprene, and is characterized by itsability to stretch and its resilience. “Synthetic rubber” refers to theartificially produced elastomers having qualities similar to naturalrubber.

As used herein, the term “composited” refers to the act of combiningindividual elements into a single unified element, including withcomponents combined together as a single composited film, or as two ormore layers that are physically and/or chemically bound together alongone or more interface.

As used herein, the term “extrusion” refers to the process of heatingand flowing a material from an extrusion device to be deposited onto (orcoextruded with) another material.

The term “electronic component” refers to the individual parts orelements that, when combined, make up an electronic device. Suchcomponents may have an electrical, mechanical, or electromechanicalfunction, and can include structural components, operational components,aesthetic components, etc. Typically one or more of the electroniccomponents may generate or be subject to vibration or resonance thatwould benefit from dampening in accordance with examples of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the term “electronic component” does not infer thatthe component includes electronics, but rather is a component of anelectronic device.

As used herein, the term “energy dampener” is understood to refer to astructure that can reduce or diminish energy that may be introduced toan electronic system electrically and/or mechanically by the electronicdevice itself or by an external force, e.g., input device such as akeyboard. The energy dampener can be a thin film or cushion positionedrelative to multiple structures that may otherwise be in contact at thatlocation to dissipate or diminish unwanted vibrational or resonanceenergy that may be introduced in the form of mechanical energy. Anenergy dampener can be positioned, deposited, shaped, and/or sized forapplication, for example.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list based on theirpresentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.

Concentrations, dimensions, amounts, and other numerical data may bepresented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that suchrange format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should beinterpreted flexibly to include the numerical values explicitly recitedas the limits of the range, as well as to include all the individualnumerical values or subranges encompassed within that range as if eachnumerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, asurface area range of about 400 m²/g to about 2,500 m²/g should beinterpreted to include the explicitly recited limits of 400 m²/g and2,500 m²/g and to include individual weights such as about 900 m²/g,about 1,100 m²/g, about 1,400 m²/g, and sub-ranges such as about 1,000m²/g to about 2,000 m²/g, about 1,200 m²/g to about 1,500 m²/g, etc.

EXAMPLES

The following illustrates an example of the present disclosure. However,it is to be understood that the following is illustrative of theapplication of the principles of the present disclosure. Numerousmodifications and alternative compositions, methods, and systems may bedevised without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure. The appended claims are intended to cover such modificationsand arrangements.

Example 1—Composition of Carbon Nanotube-Aerogel Matrix and Rubber

A composition for forming an energy dampener film is prepared byadmixing 96.8 wt % silicone rubber, 1.2 wt % stearic acid lubricant, and2 wt % silica aerogel having both graphene and carbon nanotubesdispersed therein. As a note, the silica aerogel can be prepared by anymethod, such as suspending the carbon nanotubes and graphene in a silicagel and subjecting the dispersion to supercritical point drying, forexample, where the temperature and pressure is raised above criticalpoint followed by slow reduction of temperature and pressure to preservethe aerogel network that is formed by the drying process.

Example 2—Forming Energy Dampener

Once the silicone rubber, the stearic acid, and the silicon aerogel(with graphene and carbon nanotubes) are thoroughly admixed as describedin Example 1, the resulting composition is loaded in an film-extruder,and a film having a thickness of about 0.15 mm is extruded onto asubstrate at a temperature from about 180° C. to about 230° C. Thus, thesubstrate can be an intermediate substrate, and the film can then beremoved and shaped to be positioned between multiple electroniccomponents for dampening vibration, resonance, sound, or otherresonances. Alternatively, the film can be extruded directly onto one ormultiple electronic components during the assembly process for theelectronic device.

What has been described and illustrated herein include examples of thedisclosure along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions,examples, and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustrationand are not meant as limitations. Many variations are possible withinthe scope of the disclosure, which is intended to be defined by thefollowing claims—and their equivalents—in which all terms are meant intheir broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a firstelectronic component; a second electronic component; and an energydampener positioned between and in contact with the first electroniccomponent and the second electronic component, wherein the energydampener comprises a carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix which comprisescarbon nanotubes embedded in an aerogel and composited with a rubber,the aerogel being selected from the group consisting of a silica aerogeland a plastic aerogel.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, furthercomprising a third electronic component, wherein the energy dampener isfurther positioned between the first electronic component and the thirdelectronic component; or wherein the energy dampener is furtherpositioned between the first electronic component and the thirdelectronic component and between the second electronic component and thethird electronic component.
 3. The electronic device of claim 1, whereinthe first electronic component includes one of a computer keyboard linkbar or a keystroke plate, and the second electronic component includesthe other of the computer keyboard link bar or the keystroke plate. 4.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first electronic componentincludes one of a fastener or a hard drive, and the second electroniccomponent includes the other of the fastener or the hard drive.
 5. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the carbon nanotubes have asurface area of about 400 m²/g to about 2,500 m²/g, and the aerogel hasa surface area of about 1,500 m²/g to about 3,500 m²/g.
 6. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the carbon nanotubes comprisesingle-walled carbon nanotubes.
 7. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the carbon nanotubes comprise multi-walled carbon nanotubesincluding an inner nanotube concentrically positioned within an outernanotube.
 8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the rubber isselected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, EPDM rubber,epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, fluorosilicone rubber,fluoroelastomer, perfluoroelastomer, polyether block amide,chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polysulfiderubber, thermoplastic elastomer, and a combination thereof.
 9. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the carbon nanotube-aerogel matrixfurther comprises graphene embedded in the aerogel.
 10. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein: the aerogel is the silica aerogel; therubber is silicone rubber; and the carbon nanotube-aerogel matrixfurther includes graphene embedded therein.
 11. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the aerogel is the plastic aerogel, and wherein theplastic aerogel is a polyimide aerogel.
 12. A method of damping energywithin an electronic device comprising: applying an energy dampener to afirst interface of a first electronic component, wherein the energydampener comprises a carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix including carbonnanotubes embedded in an aerogel and composited with a rubber, theaerogel being selected from the group consisting of a silica aerogel anda plastic aerogel; and positioning a second interface of secondelectronic component against the energy dampener, wherein a portion orall of the energy dampener is in contact with and between the firstelectronic component and the second electronic component to dampenenergy transfer from the first electronic component to the secondelectronic component or from the second energy component to the firstenergy component.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein prior to theapplying, the method further comprises compounding the carbonnanotube-aerogel matrix with the rubber by admixing the rubber with thecarbon nanotube-aerogel matrix in the presence of a lubricant to form anextrudable composite, and wherein the applying includes extruding theextrudable composite onto the first interface under heat.
 14. The methodof claim 13, further comprising shaping the energy dampener either i)after applying the energy dampener to the first interface or ii) afterpositioning the second interface, by removing a portion of the energydampener.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the carbon nanotubes havea surface area of about 400 m²/g to about 2,500 m²/g, and wherein theaerogel has a surface area of about 1,500 m²/g to about 3,500 m²/g. 16.The method of claim 12, wherein the carbon nanotubes comprisesingle-walled carbon nanotubes.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein thecarbon nanotubes comprise multi-walled carbon nanotubes including aninner nanotube concentrically positioned within an outer nanotube. 18.The method of claim 12, wherein the rubber is selected from the groupconsisting of silicone rubber, EPDM rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber,polyacrylic rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomer,perfluoroelastomer, polyether block amide, chlorosulfonatedpolyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polysulfide rubber, thermoplasticelastomer, and a combination thereof.
 19. The method of claim 12,wherein the carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix further comprises grapheneembedded in the aerogel.
 20. An electronic device comprising: a firstelectronic component including one of a computer keyboard link bar or akeystroke plate; a second electronic component including the other ofthe computer keyboard link bar or the keystroke plate; and an energydampener positioned between and in contact with the first electroniccomponent and the second electronic component, wherein the energydampener comprises a carbon nanotube-aerogel matrix which comprisescarbon nanotubes embedded in an aerogel and composited with a rubber.